On the 27th of February 2009, 14 VP scholars embarked on the Harkerville Hike. This scenic hiking trail is situated near the Outeniqua pass along the N2 and is a 25km trail from start to finish.

The first day was focused on the arrival at the hut with all the hikers bristling in great anticipation for the following day’s events. The evening kicked off with a braai at the well-equipped Diepwalle hut and we spent the rest of the evening chatting around the campfire. In the absence of technology it was an early night for some hikers who had nothing better to do but for those less idle it had only begun. The second day saw an early start to the 16km hike from Diepwalle to Fisantehoek. The trail began with a descent into the lush vegetation of the wilderness, before meandering along the mountain edge and then back down again. The terrain was fairly easy with one or two strenuous ascents. By afternoon we had found Fisantehoek hut, which was an old farmhouse at one stage. After an early supper we indulged in an interactive game introduced by the teachers. Not long after sunset the more active group decided to play “hide and seek” which took us into the late hours of the night before passing out from all the exertion. The third day was just as lively and although only 9km of the trail remained there were still some monstrous inclines to tackle. Before we knew it we were at the finish with thankfully no casualties.

On behalf of the hikers we would like to thank Mr Theron, Dr James, Ms Meyer and Ms Kendall for an unforgettable hike and memories that will remain with us for a long time.

ALEXANDRIA HIKING TRAIL

This hike took place outside Alexandria during the third term and this time we had a few more “intellectual” hikers.

We left early on a Saturday morning from school and drove for a few hours before we reached the start of the trail. On arrival we were warmly greeted by some staff who assisted us to transport our belongings to our destination. The morning was sunny and warming quickly and the hikers were jovial. Despite there being a trail to follow some “intellectuals” decided to take a short cut, which resulted in them taking a longer route. All in all the scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed the undulating mountainous terrain. Despite the heat and the distance all the hikers arrived safely in the late afternoon at a stylish campsite. It had a shower with hot water, which is an absolute luxury on a hike. There were two grand tents with bunk beds in each and an outside house with a kitchen and a satisfactory braai area. Amazingly, just before the campsite there is an obstacle course and a terrific “foofie” slide that extents over a large river from one bank to the other. It was this “foofie” slide that separated the men from the women and kept us occupied most of the afternoon. The evening started with the usual braai, followed by some great topics of conversations and later an ecstatic game of president. We all had an early night and retired to bed. The next day arrived all too soon and we followed the route back to where we started.
It must be mentioned that a few “bright hikers”, cheated by taking a short cut, which lead them to the finish whilst only covering half the distance. This was simply by hiking along the jeep track on top of the mountain rather than down in the winding valley. Nevertheless everyone eventually arrived at the end with time to spare. From then it was not long before we arrived back at school after a fantastic weekend.

To the dedicated teachers who assisted (Mr Theron, Dr James, Ms Meyer and Ms Kendell) in the great expedition we extend a huge thank you. If it wasn’t for them the hike would have not been possible.
Samuel Salcedo

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Miss Meyer, eight pupils and I left school at 2pm, Friday 19 September to Hogsback. I have been to Hogsback numerous times, but still failed to miss a few important turn-offs. This resulted in a few U-turns. We eventually arrived in darkness at Starways Pottery in Hogsback. We were welcomed with a fairy-like forest setting. The girls opted for the well-heated cabin (fire-oven), while the boys had to sleep in the icy cold cabin. Their cabin had a gas heater, but it failed to keep any warmth for longer then four hours. We made a fire outside to braai our meat. Fortunately the small drops of rain falling through the lush branches of the trees above us were few and we could feed our hunger soon. We were all very tired and went to sleep early.

Saturday morning was freezing with snow falling. The snow became thicker and Miss Meyer and myself preferred the comfort of our sleeping bags, while the pupils ventured out into the snow, on an expedition. They returned a few hours later, all soaking wet. Fortunately the owner of Starways suggested we tumble-dry our wet clothes. Experiencing snow and the magic surrounding it was an experience on its own. Hiking the trails and witnessing the designated waterfalls were obviously out of the question. We would not have been able to drive the school buts out of Hogsback neither. We stayed put. Anton, the owner, erected some gas cookers for us to cook on. A warm meal and hot chocolate do wonders in the cold.

I was a bit nervous returning home. If the snow did not clear up, we would have to stay an extra day. Fortunately we awoke to a sunny sky. Not a cloud in sight. We packed up camp. Anton demonstrated some pottery techniques and we said our goodbyes. We made our way to the Madonna and Child Falls. We only had time to view this one waterfall. Driving back to Port Elizabeth took forever, especially being stuck behind a very slow vehicle on a very windy road. We also had to stop for numerous bush-breaks, for the boys. We finally made it home. I am sincerely grateful for the parents being so patient, the excellent behaviour of the pupils , for Miss Meyer’s loyal assistance and our school for giving us these life-long experiences.

Ms Kendall

Harkerville 23-25 March 2007

What a killer! Miss Meyer and I accompanied six pupils on this very difficult adventure. We arrived at the Harkerville Hut on Friday. It was a comfortable drive, but there was some confusion about our first night’s stay. The other people sharing the hut were unaware of our arrival and they occupied the whole hut, leaving us no facilities to sleep. They only arrived back at the hut after ten that evening. A forest official tried to sort out the problem, but they were arrogant. We finally got a room to prepare for our difficult walk the next day. I left Miss Meyer’s hiking bag at school, and she was left with nothing to hike in or eat. What a great start!

Saturday morning was upon us and we left early to avoid any conflict with the other hikers. The first couple of kilometres was easy walking through the forest, until we came across a beautiful view of the ocean and a steep decline. We ventured down, some slowly (like me) and some fast (like the learners). At the bottom we started the long and difficult walk on big and small rocks all along the coast. We had to climb unstable ladders and hold onto chains for support at certain places on our way. It was never- ending. We had lunch at the bottom of the steep incline we had to endure afterwards. We finally made it. The Sinclaire Hut, our destination of the first day, was perfectly situated on top of the mountain, overlooking the ocean. A beautiful sunset was fitting after such a difficult walk. Miss Meyer was pleased that I had left her hiking bag at school by this stage.

Sunday was also an early start, passing waterfalls and ending with a forest walk again. At the Harkerville Hut we cleaned up and drove back to Port Elizabeth. A ‘Magnum’ ice cream at Storms River Bridge was sorely needed. This was a real adventure that VPHS has not undertaken in many years. We will surely attempt this hike every two years, for the more experienced hiker.

Assegaai 5-6 May 2007

This hike is definitely for the inexperienced hiker or enthusiastic walker. Fortunately, it was a short drive (to just before Grahamstown). We departed on Saturday morning and arrived there in good time. It was a going to be a very hot day. We registered at the farmhouse and decided which route to take. There were so many. We decided on the yellow route, which passes the blue pool. This was a real treat. There were tubes and a raft that entertained us in the water.

After a long swim we started our venture again. After a comfortable walk we arrived at our destination, a tree house. An afternoon nap was welcomed, but rudely interrupted by the learners, who were playing sword fighting with sticks. We braaied and told scary stories. Baboons making mating calls interrupted the learners’ night. The teachers were, however, not scared, and had a peaceful sleep.

We headed back and cooled down our throats with fresh rainwater. We travelled to Addo Elephant Park where we viewed many animals, especially warthogs. This hike was very relaxing and suitable for a beginner. I will definitely return and complete the routes we have not walked yet.